QUEENSTOWN — Switzerland manager Inka Grings was full of praise for the Philippine Women’s National Football Team after both teams’ encounter in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup on Friday evening at the Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin here.
The occasion marked the Filipinas’ maiden appearance on the world stage. They made it a difficult contest for La Nati, who needed to dig deep to win 2-0, thanks to Ramona Bachmann’s 45th-minute spot kick and Seraina Piubel’s 64th-minute tap-in.
It was the perfect start for Switzerland’s campaign. La Nati rose to the top of Group A, thanks to a better goal difference of plus-2 over host nation New Zealand’s plus-1. However, the Swiss were forced to work doubly hard to secure all three points, especially in the first half.
“Yes, they were a very disciplined team. A big compliment — they’re a dangerous team, and I think that they presented themselves well and displayed sportsmanship,” said Grings in German.
“I’m excited to see how their next two games will play out. I think that every single player and the country should be very proud.”
As debutants in this World Cup, the Filipinas came into the match as a mysterious quantity. None of their players come from major clubs in Europe or North America, unlike other individuals in this tournament.
Over the past year, Alen Stajcic’s program has taken the team to different places around the globe to help the players be as prepared as possible for this World Cup. It is safe to say that this preparation culminated in a performance that left a lasting impression on Grings.
“It was difficult for us to analyze a team that is here for the first time. But I don’t think that the Philippines will be easily beatable. They pressured us a lot,” said the retired striker.
“I think that’s just the beauty of the World Cup, that you get to play against nations that you might not see every day.”
Getting through the first game in any tournament is always a difficult task to do. Teams will always be affected by jitters entering the match. There are times when the favorites capitulate, and the underdogs pull off a massive upset.
It took a while, and perhaps a fortunate penalty awarded by VAR, but the Swiss—ultimately and deservedly based on the balance of play—got the job done at the expense of the Filipinas.
Grings’ side will next face Norway this Tuesday here in Hamilton, and they will no doubt seek to build on this victory.
“We had many chances, but it was also quite predictable. However, what mattered more was that we managed to get the ball and resolve the issues. We displayed patience and executed several good plays we had planned,” said the 44-year-old German mentor.
“Consequently, we rewarded ourselves with a goal shortly before halftime. Our determination to win the second half was evident, and we reacted proactively, carrying the lead from the first half. It’s a very satisfying feeling, and I believe we can rest well now. This victory will boost our confidence for the next game.”
